Let me introduce myself.
I’m Blythe Emery, a Vet Tech on the Pembrokeshire/Ceredigion border. I am a trained ATT, fully qualified R-SQP (all species), a RoMS mobility Scorer, and was thrilled to be amongst the first cohort to complete the Harper Adams Vet Technician Apprenticeship back in 2024. I love being out and about on farm, and when time allows, you’ll find me deciding on the next course I’d like to do, or service I’d like to introduce – so many things to choose from, where do you begin!
8:30 AM (Or Sometimes Not…)
Farm life doesn’t run on a nine-to-five clock. Some days I’m up before dawn to catch a herd before morning milking; other days I roll into the practice at a civilised 8:30. Thankfully, early mornings aren’t too frequent (I’ve been told more than once that I’m clearly not a morning person – so it’s probably for the best).
Prepping the Van
First job: stock the van. TB testing gear, disbudding kit, paperwork, PPE. I try to be organised, but there’s always the occasional detour back to HQ when I realise I’ve forgotten something crucial (usually my wellies believe it or not).
My co-pilot is already waiting in the passenger seat. She’s a collie, called Lunar…. who’s terrified of sheep. Yes, really. The irony isn’t lost on the farmers. If nothing else, she provides a bit of comic relief.
On the Road
Then it’s from call to call through some of the best countryside Wales has to offer – rolling green fields and the most breathtaking coastal views. I’ve worked out which shops do the best sandwiches, and which routes take me past a milkshake vending machine. Small wins – but they matter when the day gets heavy.
The Work Itself
No two days look the same, but a typical round might include some:
- TB testing
- Mobility scoring
- Body condition scoring
- Disbudding calves
- Surgical Assistance
- Lab work and admin
And then there’s the catch-all category: whatever else needs doing. That might mean fixing a fence mid-TB test, calibrating a drenching gun before starting, or a last-minute dash to a colleague who’s run out of something urgently. Occasionally, I’ll even be found covering reception – answering calls, booking jobs, and catching up with clients and colleagues.
The Best Part
A big part of the role is being part of that wider team. I work closely with vets and foot trimmers, and there’s a lot of communication behind the scenes. Working as part of a collaborative team means I’m not just turning up to do a job – I’m part of a bigger plan to improve animal health and welfare.
I really enjoy the conversations on farm as well – no two are ever the same. Sometimes it’s trivial, sometimes serious. I strongly believe that being able to have some hwyl with clients is important, but there’s something humbling when they open up and discuss the challenges their facing. It took a while for people to understand the role of a Vet Tech and ATT. There were countless “You’re not a vet?” conversations, but now, people really understand it and they embrace what a Vet Tech can do, and how using tech services on farm can help them.
The Hard Part
It’s not all scenic drives and milkshakes. Some days the difficult outcomes stack up—you might read a TB test that isn’t clear, then head straight to assist on a call that doesn’t go to plan. It can be tough. Seeing a farmers face fall in disappointment or upset doesn’t get any easier over time. But a supportive team and understanding clients make a huge difference. The relationships you build are what get you through – and what make it worthwhile.
Lunchtime Reset
Lunch is usually somewhere between 12 and 2pm, depending on the day. Wherever I am, I try to find a quiet spot to walk the dog. Sometimes it’s a proper footpath; other times it’s a quick stomp down a country lane. Even five minutes makes a difference – fresh air, a bit of sun (if we’re lucky), and a chance to reset before the afternoon.
The 4:30 Rush
There’s almost always a bit of a scramble at the end of the day – last-minute calls, paperwork that definitely hasn’t done itself, and kit to clean and reset. If something needs doing at evening milking, that’s when it gets done.
Why I Do It
It’s unpredictable and physical. But I get to spend my days outside, working with great clients and their livestock, driving through countryside people come on holiday to see.
Not many jobs offer that.
Plus, Lunar seems to think she has the best life in the world – and she might be right.
